Why visit / Interesting facts:
- UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Beatiful example of Manueline architecture
- Vasco da Gama's resting place
Time required: 60 minutes
Web site: http://www.mosteirojeron...
Opening hours:
| Time period | Opening hours |
|---|---|
| May - Sept, Tue - Sun: | 10am - 6:30pm |
| Oct - Apr, Tue - Sun: | 10am - 5:30pm |
| Monday: | Closed |
| January 1, Easter Sunday, May 1 and Dec. 25: |
Admission:
| Ticket type | Charge |
|---|---|
| General: | 7 € |
| Under 14: | Free |
| Sundays and holidays until 2pm: | Free |
Public transport:
- Tram Line 15: Mosteiro Dos Jerónimos stop
Address: Praça do Império, 1400-206 Lisbon
Photos: (see more photos)
Photo: mbac
Things you need to know:
- Jeronimos Monastery is Lisbon's most celebrated monument, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1983, and Vasco de Gama's resting place
- King Manuel I commissioned the building in 1502 to commemorate Vasco de Gama's successful return from India and to thank Virgin Mary for the success
- The monastery symbolizes Portugal's power and wealth during the Age of Discovery. It is one of the most important examples of Manueline (Portuguese late-Gothic) architecture
- The visual centerpiece of the exterior is the richly decorated south portal with elaborate carvings
- Inside, along with Gama, important figures of Portuguese history are entombed such as kings and queens or writers Fernando Pessoa (1888-1935) and Luis de Camões (1524-80)
- The nave's 6 columns are beautifully decorated with characteristic Manueline carvings of ropes and exotic flora
- The cloisters showcase Manueline carvings at their best. Each column is differently carved with coils of rope, sea monsters, coral, and other sea motifs evocating the heroic Age of Discovery
What to do there:
- Admire the beautiful Manuline architecture of the monastery from the outside
- Start your tour by walking around in the church to see the tombs and the elaborate decoration
- Head upstairs to the choir to take in the church from above and admire the carved choir stalls
- Walk on to see the real highlights: the cloisters (with Manueline carvings) and the refectory
Tips & Insights:
- It is less crowded late afternoon or off-season
- Free admission with Lisboa Card
- Free admission on Sundays and holidays until 2pm
- Do not miss the best pastries in town: the café Antiga Confeitaria de Belém (near the monastery) serves delicious custard tarts since 1841
